The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has appointed Louise Hanson as its next Chief Executive.

Hanson will replace Neil Carberry OBE, who leaves the organisation in September after eight years at the helm to become Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership & Innovation Officer at the REC, will serve as interim Chief Executive this autumn before Hanson officially assumes the post later in the year.

Hanson arrives from the Law Society, where she has served as Executive Director for Membership and External Affairs since 2019. Her previous roles include Director of Advocacy at the Association of British Insurers, alongside various positions across public affairs, strategy, policy, and organisational transformation within the non-profit sector.

The leadership transition comes at a transformative period for the UK hiring landscape. According to the Recruitment Industry Status Report (RISR) 2024–25, the recruitment sector contributed £40.6 billion to the national economy in 2024, representing 1.6% of the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA). Recruiters currently face ongoing skill shortages alongside rapid adjustments to artificial intelligence, shifting labor regulations, demographic changes, and rising demand for flexible work models.

Louise Hanson, who will take up the role as Chief Executive of the REC later this year, said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as the next Chief Executive of REC. It will be a privilege to build on the work of Neil and the team, ensuring REC stays as the most powerful and influential voice of an industry that shapes the labour market and supports business across the UK. With the current pace of political and business change, REC’s work to support members and its commitment to high standards feels more important than ever. It is an exciting time to join and it will be great to get started.”

Michelle Mellor, REC Chair, said:

“Appointing the right Chief Executive to lead the REC into its next chapter was one of the most important responsibilities of my time as Chair and together with the Board, REC member search firm Vox Partners and the Executive Team, we ran a rigorous, thorough process to get it right. Louise stood out against strong competition and brings the leadership and membership body experience the REC needs for what comes next. As I hand over the position of Chair alongside this appointment, I do so with complete confidence that the organisation is in the best possible hands.”

Bev White, REC Chair-Elect, said:

“I’m excited to welcome Louise to the REC at such a critical time for our industry. From AI and the Employment Rights Act to skills shortages and shifting attitudes to EDI, our members need strong leadership more than ever, and I look forward to partnering with her as the incoming Chair of the REC.”

Maxine Bligh, REC Chief Membership & Innovation Officer who will take on the role as interim Chief Executive in the autumn, said:

“It is a privilege to lead the REC this autumn at such a pivotal moment for our industry, before handing over to Louise later in the year. As the market starts to recover, our focus is clear: ensuring the new Prime Minister understands the vital role a flexible labour market plays in driving growth and delivering public services, while supporting REC members through legislative change so they can help clients seize opportunities and succeed.”

The REC is the voice of the UK recruitment, staffing and talent industry, driving professional standards and empowering its members to lead effective workforce planning across the labour market. REC members are recognised for their professionalism and the value they provide to clients and candidates.